2PM's Nichkhun celebrates 30th bday after a fun tour in Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — 2PM's Nichkhun turns 30 today, and before he hit the big 3-0, the Thai-American K-pop idol had a quick tour around the Philippines sampling our local dishes and soaking in the Filipino culture.

The 2PM member and his fellow K-pop star Xander Lee, former U-Kiss member, had a gastronomic 48 hours playing TvN’s "One Night Food Trip" last week. Eagle-eyed fans spotted the two filming in Cebu.

This was not Nichkhun’s first visit to the Philippines, having flown here for concert with his members from 2PM and for endorsement. But the K-pop idol said that this one was "meaningful" because it was the first time that he got to experience Filipino culture.

“It’s really different because every time we go for a concert, we really don’t have time to see anything. It’s always just airport, hotel, venue then back to hotel, then airport.”

“We never get to experience the country," Nichkhun said, but for his recent trip he said: “I got to feel what’s like to be in the Philippines.”

K-pop boyband 2PM celebrated its 9th anniversary in September last year, and while the group is currently on hiatus—with Taecyeon and Jun.K rendering military service, and Wooyoung due to enlist soon—Nichkhun assured his fans that he will continue to work hard. The boy group had a concert in Manila in 2013.

“As long as the fans are happy, I’m happy,” the K-pop star said.

In his Instagram account, Nichkhun posted stories of cakes given to him on Friday night.

“But I still look young, right?” Fans would heartily agree.

The variety show brought Nichkhun to Pampanga and Cebu. He shared with members of Philippine media on Friday night: “We didn’t actually go to the beach, we went to the highest places in Cebu.”

Nichkhun said that he hopes to come back to the Philippines soon, and his wishlist: A trip to Coron, Palawan.

“I want to thank you for welcoming me to the Philippines and hopefully I can come back soon, to Coron,” Nichkhun said, after he expressed envy at the destination his competitors at the variety show, celebrity cousin Danica Sotto-Pingris and Ciara Sotto.

Other 2PM members are currently starring in ongoing dramas in Korea: Junho in "Wok of Love," and Chansung in "Why Secretary Kim?" Hottest, meanwhile, may catch Nichkhun at the small screen enjoying gastronomic experience in the Philippines through "One Night Food Trip."

What’s your birthday wish for Khunnie?